I really appreciate this question! “How do you homeschool with an IEP”
Can you homeschool while having an IEP, and what does that look like for you? First and foremost, it's essential to review your state’s requirements regarding homeschooling, including any necessary testing and curriculum guidelines. If your state permits a flexible approach, you can create a personalized learning experience—this is one of the great advantages of homeschooling.
For instance, my son faces challenges with reading, processing, and writing. To support him, we utilize dictation software and an app that can scan and read text aloud. There are plenty of apps available that offer this feature. We conduct auditory assessments and oral exams as part of our approach. For writing tasks, he speaks into the iPad, which converts his speech to text. After that, he revises and edits before handwriting the final version.
As for my daughter, she previously struggled at her age but has now progressed to writing full papers and completing tasks for her clubs—she’s currently the secretary of her after-school group. These accommodations are among the top reasons why I've chosen to homeschool for the past 13 years. As a former teacher, I wanted the freedom to help my child without needing to seek permission.
One simple accommodation we introduced early on was using erasable pens. It may seem trivial, but mechanical pencils often broke, smudged, and caused frustration. Having erasable pens allowed for clean writing and easy corrections, which made a significant difference.
With my youngest, we incorporate plenty of movement into our learning. He uses a yoga ball to bounce on while taking oral tests, and we engage in activities that involve physical movement, like slapping sight words or building with Legos. We also enjoy outdoor lessons and provide him with various seating options, including lying on the floor.
The types of accommodations you can implement in your homeschooling setup will vary by state. Here in Virginia, we have the freedom to choose any curriculum or program that suits our needs. For testing, we use the California Achievement Test, which is an approved assessment in Virginia. It’s untimed and open book, allowing us to take our time with each section.
We discuss the rules together and utilize tools that assist with reading. My goal is for my children to leave their education feeling confident and capable, knowing how to find resources and being aware of their strengths and weaknesses. I want them to enjoy learning rather than feeling frustrated.
I’d prefer for them to walk away feeling proud of their achievements, equipped with the confidence they need to navigate life. Our homeschooling includes a strong focus on life skills and job training, as I believe education is about building a solid foundation for becoming a responsible and capable adult.
So, in short, combining various elements in your homeschooling program can be highly effective. If you have any further questions about homeschooling in Virginia, feel free to reach out or visit www.thefunschoolers.com
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